NFL combine: Keaontay Ingram excited about zone scheme, working on route running

Talked to Ingram, who could be a day three target of the Browns if they are looking for a running back, about zone scheme and developing in the passing game:

It is an honor and a pleasure to get to cover the NFL combine live in Indianapolis. Getting to connect with teams, agents and fellow media members is a great way to gather information on the upcoming draft and free agency. More on that to come this weekend.

We shared a conversation with Alec Lindstrom Thursday where the interior offensive lineman talked about the details of the zone-blocking scheme and how it works for him. With the Cleveland Browns, and a lot of other teams, running that scheme, I asked questions around it for a reason.

With Nick Chubb leading the way, the Browns don’t have a big need for a running back but could be looking to add one later in the draft. D’Ernest Johnson could become a restricted free agent if Cleveland gives him a tender offer. Kareem Hunt is set to be a free agent after the 2022 season.

Demetric Felton was used more as a receiver than a running back but could be considered either depending on what the team wants to do.

Keaontay Ingram is a back that could fit that later-round pick for the Browns. Ingram has a history with the zone scheme and said he feels good about it:

With pass-catching becoming more and more important in the NFL, Ingram noted that he was very focused on his route running in the ramp-up to the NFL draft:

 

As I noted in the question, Ingram caught almost 100 passes in college and probably would have eclipsed that but the COVID limited season kept his numbers down.

In three years at Texas, Ingram rushed for over 1,800 yards with a 5.3 yards per carry average and 11 touchdowns. His one season at USC was his best with 911 yards, 5.8 yards per carry average and five touchdowns.

Ingram has a chance to improve his stock but The Draft Network currently has him slated as a sixth-round pick.